As a small ramen restaurant in downtown Culver, Mensho faces stiff competition in the form of fried chicken, food halls, artisan ice cream, and so much more.
Mensho makes its stand with an exciting list of noodle soups on a mouthwatering menu that has me planning for a return trip as soon as I order. The Signature is an excellent choice, a dish so delicious I feel I must try all the others as well. The broth is fatty and creamy, so rich it's entirely opaque, yet the chicken base makes it substantial without so much substance. Deeply savory and satisfying, it scratches the umami itch without making you feel so full you can't finish your bowl. The noodles are house-made, another signature with a mochi texture that gives them a gelatinous chew. The texture contrasts with a melty slice of A5 wagyu chashu, a piece of fermented pork chashu, and a bit of duck chashu which I can only describe as duck bacon. The mushroom menma is something I'd buy by the jar, and I didn't think that beautiful soft-boiled egg could be any better but then they added a breath of smoke.
Enoki Chips are an app, but they actually make an exciting accompaniment to any ramen. Little mushroom straws crunch all the way through and are ideal for adding as a ramen topping or dipping in leftover broth.
There are far too many choices in downtown Culver City, but Mensho is one worth trying. The ingredients mark them as higher-end, rather than your corner bar-stool slurp, and there is a sophistication to the flavors in a way that makes them memorable. The selection on the street is quite overwhelming, so next time you're trying to decide, maybe make a move toward Mensho.
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